"Called Terrorist, Anti National": Sharjeel Imam Alleges Assault Inside Jail, Moves Delhi Court

Sharjeel Imam, presently in judicial custody in connection with the North East Delhi riots of 2020, has moved a city Court after alleging that he was assaulted and harassed inside jail and was called terrorist and anti national.

An application was moved by Advocate Ahmed Ibrahim, Sharjeel's counsel, on Monday wherein it was disclosed that that on June 30, around 7:30 PM, the Assistant Superintendent along with 8 to 9 convicts came to his cell in the name of carrying out search. 

It has been claimed that during the said search, Imam's books and clothes were thrown away, he was assaulted and was even called terrorist and anti national.

The application further added that while Sharjeel requested the Assistant Superintendent to prevent the said convicts from assaulting him, however no steps were taken by the Superintendent regarding the same.

"It appeared that the Assistant Superintendents was complicit in the illegal act," the application alleged.

It has further been alleged that the convicts, during the alleged illegal search, struggled to place some contraband in Sharjeel's possession.

Therefore, the application sought directions to show cause the jail authorities for the alleged illegal assault and search committed and also to take all steps for his protection from any future assault or harassment.

It further seeks a direction on jail authorities to preserve the video recording in the cctv camera of jail regarding the relevant time.

While the application was moved before Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat before whom the matter is pending, however due to his unavailability, it was heard by a link judge.

The link Judge thus issued notice on the application while posting the matter for hearing on July 14.